KALAMAZOOM ... Who’s zooming whom? — Every Monday evening just before 7 o’clock there’s laughter and easy conversation as people hang up their coats and sign in at the information table. They have entered the new recreation center at Westminster Presbyterian Church for two and a half hours of fellowship and dancing. Located on Helen Ave about two blocks behind Bravo Restaurant in Portage, the recreation center is the site of the weekly KALAMAZOOM Community Singles & Couples Dance.

Originally conceived as a “singles” event, organizers found that couples and singles were both looking for a safe, smoke-free, alcohol-free environment to mingle and enjoy dance music. So the dance was expanded to include individuals and committed couples alike.

At 7 pm Bob Northrop leads a mini-lesson as a "refresher"... it may be anything from ChaCha to Waltz. Then Melissa Muha leads a couple of line dances. Line dancing doesn’t require a partner, so it’s a great way to exercise, meet people and have fun. General dancing follows until 8 o’clock when Bob and Melissa share a couples lesson with the group. Everey two weeks they focus on a classic partner dance like waltz, foxtrot, rumba or swing. Expect to review the basic step, add a new pattern and change partners alot as the lesson unfolds.

Do you need a partner? NO! There are usually about the same number of men as women in attendance. That’s been really nice to see! Participants change partners frequently during the lesson, so this activity also serves as a mixer.

As one of the singles participants commented, “this is the most non-threatening place I’ve ever been to learn to dance!”

The crowd ranges in age from 40’ to 60’s with some stretch in both directions. Refreshments include cheese & crackers, pretzels, corn chips, vegies and candy. Music is provided by Bob Northrop of DJPlays (over 20,000 tunes and yes, he takes requests). Bob selects a playlist with a wide range of dance rhythms, easy-to-follow beat and clean lyrics.

So here’s the recap: KALAMAZOOM Community Singles & Couples Dance, Monday nights 7-9:30, Westminster Presbyterian Church (1515 Helen Avenue in Portage), two lessons plus general dancing, good music, clean lyrics, light refreshments, fun & fellowship, smoke-free, alcohol-free, $5 per person.

For more information call (269) 352-9407

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